Wood furniture might often be associated with rustic design schemes, but I have a soft spot for pieces that feel more sculptural and statement than traditional. While classic wood dining tables and ornate dressers always win big at antique fairs, anything that feels more striking and contemporary will usually get my stamp of approval.
Come to think of it, I'm not sure when I began to fixate on decorating with wood – but I know that my obsession has only escalated after I spotted a photo of Emma Roberts' living room, which was designed by acclaimed studio Pierce and Ward.
Standing proudly in front of a floor-to-ceiling bay window in Emma's living room is the table of my dreams: crafted from solid wood, it boasts a two-tone diamond pattern and a gently curved base. It's a real statement antique piece, and I haven't been able to get it off my mind.
As you can imagine, I've searched high and low for a way to replicate Emma's look – from World Market's Lucius round side table to Crate & Barrel's Intarsia mosaic wood console table. I've also found a few budget-friendly alternatives, which you can check out below.
Shop the Emma Roberts-Inspired Wood Furniture Edit
You'll spot a few Pierce & Ward pieces in Emma's living room, so this feels like the perfect way to honor her incredible table. Burl wood is a fantastic way to add texture to a space.
Channel the diamond pattern on Emma's table with this handsome piece from World Market, which features a mosaic finish created using bone and mango wood.
While it boasts a slim, mid-century modern silhouette, this is another stunning mosaic wood piece that really captures Emma's look. I love the bold geometric design.
Don't have space for a sprawling console table like Emma's? Try a handsome accent stool like this one. It's ideal for living rooms, dining areas, and even kitchen islands.
If you don't fancy forking out on new furniture, try styling your existing pieces with a statement tray like this one. I'd add candles, books and a rattan vase for even more texture.
To bring some patterned wood pieces into your home without a huge investment, a picture frame like this one is always a safe bet. It also features an elegant bone inlay.
Emma Roberts' monochromatic living room is bursting with artisanal furniture pieces – the Lloyd side stools from Pierce and Ward are a highlight – but for me, her magnificent vintage table steals the spotlight. Even piled high with books, vases and accessories, it demands to be noticed, and it brings an incredible energy to the space.
While the unique mosaic print is difficult to miss, what first struck me about this piece was its silhouette. The pedestal base features curved legs that feel stately and elegant, but the entire table is broader and chunkier than you might expect.
This old-meets-new look gives such a traditional furniture piece a fresh twist, and it really encapsulates the eclecticism of Emma's home. Her living room might be a treasure trove of gorgeous pieces, but this one holds its own; the space is a beautiful example of timeless transitional decorating ideas.
Emma's table is large enough to be used for dining or entertaining, but in her space, it takes on a more informal quality. Naturally, styling is key, and the table is used to showcase an earthy ceramic vase, a collection of coffee table books, and a butter yellow lamp (like the Rainville table lamp from AllModern).
The resulting vignette is character-rich and contemporary. Paired with a set of leather-covered wood chairs, the table is granted a heritage feel, but pops of color from the decor create a brighter, more whimsical look.
In a wide, light-filled space like this one, any furniture piece risks being upstaged by the soaring windows behind it (and the gorgeous landscape beyond). Yet Emma's table strikes an ingenious balance: it certainly stands out, but it also manages to tie the entire room together.
The secret? A clever interplay of patterns and materials. The table fits seamlessly alongside features like the rustic wood floors and dining chairs, but its intricate diamond finish also echoes the leaded-glass pattern of the windows. It's a masterclass in design that feels cohesive yet still unexpected – and utterly inspiring, too.
Designers say that this sense of cohesion is what makes the room so picture-perfect – but it can be difficult to achieve.
'Since the table mirrors the geometric rhythm of the leaded windows, it creates a sense of visual harmony that feels grounded,' explains Lauren Kavanagh, an art director at Hovia. 'The repetition of angular forms allows the table to sit confidently within the room without overpowering it.'
'What’s so compelling about this table is how it leans into a soft form of maximalism,' reflects Elisha Niebuhr, the founder and CEO of Modern Interior Company. 'It’s bold and unapologetic, yet it still feels refined. In a room like this, where every element is thoughtfully chosen, the table doesn’t compete; it enhances the space by adding a layer of personality.'
If I wasn't already in love with statement wood furniture, I certainly am now. Emma proves that even striking geometric patterns can be softened and styled to perfection – so even if they might steal the spotlight, they can still create a masterful sense of balance in a space.
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